Difference between revisions of "Dogen"
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[[Dogen]] | [[Dogen]] | ||
− | [道元] (1200–1253) | + | [[道元]] (1200–1253) |
− | The founder of the {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[Sotoschool]] of [[Zen]]. His father was Kuga Michichika, a minister of the imperial court in Kyoto. Having lost both parents at an early age, [[Dogen]] entered the priesthood in 1213 at [[Enryaku-ji]], the head [[temple]] of the [[Tendai school]] on Mount Hiei. [[Doubtful]] of the [[Tendai]] [[view]] of inherent [[enlightenment]], however, and of the undisciplined {{Wiki|atmosphere}} at Hiei, in 1217 he went to [[Kennin-ji]] [[temple]] in Kyoto where he studied the [[Zen]] teachings under Myozen, a [[disciple]] of [[Eisai]]. In 1223 [[Dogen]] went to [[China]] with Myozen to further his studies. After journeying from one [[temple]] to another in search of a [[worthy]] [[teacher]], he studied [[Zen]] ([[Ch'an]]) under Ju-ching at Mount T'ient'ung and is said to have attained [[enlightenment]]. In 1227 he returned to {{Wiki|Japan}} and stayed at Kennin-ji.Dogen strongly asserted that the [[Zen]] [[teaching]] of sole reliance on seated [[meditation]] ([[zazen]] ) was [[absolute]] and constituted the [[essence]] of the [[Buddha's teachings]]. This incurred the [[hostility]] of the [[Tendai]] priests on Mount Hiei and at [[Kennin-ji]], and around 1230 he was banished from Kenninji. He moved to Fukakusa in Kyoto and there around 1233 built Koshoji [[temple]], where he lived for more than ten years, devoting himself to [[teaching]] and [[writing]]. As his [[disciples]] increased in number, oppression by the [[Tendai]] priests arose again, and in 1243 he went to Echizen Province to the fief of Hatano Yoshishige, a shogunate official, at Yoshishige's invitation and at the urging of followers there. In Hatano's domain, he founded Daibutsu-ji [[temple]], which was renamed Eihei-ji in 1246 and became a major center of | + | The founder of the {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[Sotoschool]] of [[Zen]]. His father was [[Kuga Michichika]], a [[minister]] of the {{Wiki|imperial court}} in {{Wiki|Kyoto}}. Having lost both [[parents]] at an early age, [[Dogen]] entered the priesthood in 1213 at [[Enryaku-ji]], the head [[temple]] of the [[Tendai school]] on [[Mount Hiei]]. [[Doubtful]] of the [[Tendai]] [[view]] of [[inherent]] [[enlightenment]], however, and of the undisciplined {{Wiki|atmosphere}} at [[Hiei]], in 1217 he went to [[Kennin-ji]] [[temple]] in {{Wiki|Kyoto}} where he studied the [[Zen]] teachings under [[Myozen]], a [[disciple]] of [[Eisai]]. In 1223 [[Dogen]] went to [[China]] with [[Myozen]] to further his studies. After journeying from one [[temple]] to another in search of a [[worthy]] [[teacher]], he studied [[Zen]] ([[Ch'an]]) under [[Ju-ching]] at [[Mount T'ient'ung]] and is said to have [[attained]] [[enlightenment]]. In 1227 he returned to {{Wiki|Japan}} and stayed at [[Kennin-ji]].[[Dogen]] strongly asserted that the [[Zen]] [[teaching]] of sole reliance on seated [[meditation]] ([[zazen]] ) was [[absolute]] and constituted the [[essence]] of the [[Buddha's teachings]]. This incurred the [[hostility]] of the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|priests}} on [[Mount Hiei]] and at [[Kennin-ji]], and around 1230 he was banished from [[Kenninji]]. He moved to Fukakusa in {{Wiki|Kyoto}} and there around 1233 built [[Koshoji]] [[temple]], where he lived for more than ten years, devoting himself to [[teaching]] and [[writing]]. As his [[disciples]] increased in number, oppression by the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|priests}} arose again, and in 1243 he went to Echizen Province to the fief of [[Hatano Yoshishige]], a {{Wiki|shogunate}} official, at [[Yoshishige's]] invitation and at the urging of followers there. In [[Hatano's]] domain, he founded [[Daibutsu-ji]] [[temple]], which was renamed [[Eihei-ji]] in 1246 and became a major center of [[Soto Zen]]. There he devoted himself to {{Wiki|training}} [[disciples]] and completing his chief work The [[Treasury of Knowledge of the True Law]].In 1247 [[Dogen]] went to {{Wiki|Kamakura}} at the request of [[Hojo Tokiyori]], the {{Wiki|regent}} of the {{Wiki|Kamakura}} {{Wiki|shogunate}}, and instructed him in the [[Zen]] teachings. In 1250 the Retired [[Wikipedia:Emperor Go-Saga|Emperor Gosaga]] sent a messenger to [[Dogen]] at [[Eihei-ji]] to bestow on him a purple robe. In 1253 [[Dogen]] returned to {{Wiki|Kyoto}}, where he [[died]] of {{Wiki|illness}}. He wrote The General [[Teaching]] for the Promotion of Seated [[Meditation]] and other works. |
− | [[Dōgen]] | + | [[Dōgen Zenji]] ([[道元禅師]]; also [[Dōgen Kigen]] [[道元希玄]], or [[Eihei Dōgen]] [[永平道元]], or [[Koso Joyo Daishi]]) (19 January 1200 – 22 September 1253) was a {{Wiki|Japanese}} [[Zen]] [[Buddhist]] [[teacher]] born in {{Wiki|Kyōto}}. He founded the [[Sōtō]] school of [[Zen]] in {{Wiki|Japan}} after travelling to [[China]] and {{Wiki|training}} under [[Rujing]], a [[master]] of the {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[Caodong]] [[lineage]]. |
− | [[Dōgen]] is known for his extensive [[writing]] including the Treasury of the | + | [[Dōgen]] is known for his extensive [[writing]] including the [[Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma]] or [[Shōbōgenzō]], a collection of ninety-five fascicles concerning [[Buddhist]] [[practice]] and [[enlightenment]]. |
[[File:Dogen0012.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Dogen0012.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Biography | + | {{Wiki|Biography}} |
Early [[life]] | Early [[life]] | ||
− | [[Dōgen]] probably was born into a [[noble]] family, though as an illegitimate child of Minamoto Michitomo, who served in the imperial court as a high-ranking ashō (亞相?, "Councillor of State"). His mother is said to have [[died]] when [[Dōgen]] was age 7. | + | [[Dōgen]] probably was born into a [[noble]] family, though as an illegitimate child of Minamoto Michitomo, who served in the {{Wiki|imperial court}} as a high-ranking [[ashō]] ([[亞相]]?, "Councillor of [[State]]"). His mother is said to have [[died]] when [[Dōgen]] was age 7. |
− | Early training | + | Early {{Wiki|training}} |
− | At some later point, [[Dōgen]] became a low-ranking [[monk]] on Mount Hiei, the headquarters of the [[Tendai school]] of [[Buddhism]]. Later in [[life]], while describing his [[time]] on Mt. Hiei, he writes that he became possessed by a single question with regard to the [[Tendai]] [[doctrine]]: | + | At some later point, [[Dōgen]] became a low-ranking [[monk]] on [[Mount Hiei]], the headquarters of the [[Tendai school]] of [[Buddhism]]. Later in [[life]], while describing his [[time]] on [[Mt. Hiei]], he writes that he became possessed by a single question with regard to the [[Tendai]] [[doctrine]]: |
− | As I study both the [[exoteric]] and the [[esoteric]] schools of [[Buddhism]], they maintain that [[human beings]] are endowed with [[Dharma-nature]] by [[birth]]. If this is the case, why did the [[Buddhas]] of all ages — undoubtedly in possession of [[enlightenment]] — find it necessary to seek [[enlightenment]] and engage in [[spiritual]] practice? | + | As I study both the [[exoteric]] and the [[esoteric]] schools of [[Buddhism]], they maintain that [[human beings]] are endowed with [[Dharma-nature]] by [[birth]]. If this is the case, why did the [[Buddhas]] of all ages — undoubtedly in possession of [[enlightenment]] — find it necessary to seek [[enlightenment]] and engage in [[spiritual]] [[practice]]? |
− | This question was, in large part, prompted by the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|concept}} of original [[enlightenment]] (本覚 hongaku), which states that all [[human beings]] are [[enlightened]] by nature and that, consequently, any notion of achieving [[enlightenment]] through practice is fundamentally flawed. | + | This question was, in large part, prompted by the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|concept}} of original [[enlightenment]] ([[本覚]] [[hongaku]]), which states that all [[human beings]] are [[enlightened]] by [[nature]] and that, consequently, any notion of achieving [[enlightenment]] through [[practice]] is fundamentally flawed. |
− | As he found no answer to his question at Mount Hiei, and as he was disillusioned by the internal politics and need for {{Wiki|social}} prominence for advancement, [[Dōgen]] left to seek an answer from other [[Buddhist]] [[masters]]. [[Dōgen]] went to visit Kōin, the [[Tendai]] [[abbot]] of Onjō-ji [[Temple]] (園城寺), asking him this same question. Kōin said that, in [[order]] to find an answer, he might want to consider studying [[Chán]] in [[China]]. In 1217, two years after the [[death]] of contemporary [[Zen]] [[Buddhist]] | + | As he found no answer to his question at [[Mount Hiei]], and as he was disillusioned by the internal {{Wiki|politics}} and need for {{Wiki|social}} prominence for advancement, [[Dōgen]] left to seek an answer from other [[Buddhist]] [[masters]]. [[Dōgen]] went to visit [[Kōin]], the [[Tendai]] [[abbot]] of [[Onjō-ji]] [[Temple]] ([[園城寺]]), asking him this same question. [[Kōin]] said that, in [[order]] to find an answer, he might want to consider studying [[Chán]] in [[China]]. In 1217, two years after the [[death]] of contemporary [[Zen]] [[Buddhist]] [[Myōan Eisai]], [[Dōgen]] went to study at [[Kennin-ji]] [[Temple]] ([[建仁寺]]), under [[Eisai's]] successor, [[Myōzen]] ([[明全]]). |
+ | |||
Travel to [[China]] | Travel to [[China]] | ||
− | In 1223, [[Dōgen]] and Myōzen undertook the [[dangerous]] passage across the East [[China]] Sea to [[China]] to study in Jing-de-si (Ching-te-ssu, 景德寺) [[monastery]] as [[Eisai]] had once done. | + | In 1223, [[Dōgen]] and [[Myōzen]] undertook the [[dangerous]] passage across the [[East]] [[China]] Sea to [[China]] to study in [[Jing-de-si]] ([[Ching-te-ssu]], [[景德寺]]) [[monastery]] as [[Eisai]] had once done. |
− | In [[China]], [[Dōgen]] first went to the leading [[Chan]] [[monasteries]] in Zhèjiāng province. At the [[time]], most [[Chan]] [[teachers]] based their training around the use of gōng-àns ({{Wiki|Japanese}}: [[kōan]]). Though [[Dōgen]] assiduously studied the kōans, he became disenchanted with the heavy emphasis laid upon them, and wondered why the [[sutras]] were not studied more. At one point, owing to this disenchantment, [[Dōgen]] even refused [[Dharma]] [[transmission]] from a [[teacher]]. Then, in 1225, he decided to visit a [[master]] named Rújìng (如淨; J. Nyōjo), the thirteenth [[patriarch]] of the Cáodòng (J. [[Sōtō]]) [[lineage]] of [[Zen | + | In [[China]], [[Dōgen]] first went to the leading [[Chan]] [[monasteries]] in Zhèjiāng province. At the [[time]], most [[Chan]] [[teachers]] based their {{Wiki|training}} around the use of [[gōng-àns]] ({{Wiki|Japanese}}: [[kōan]]). Though [[Dōgen]] {{Wiki|assiduously}} studied the [[kōans]], he became disenchanted with the heavy {{Wiki|emphasis}} laid upon them, and wondered why the [[sutras]] were not studied more. At one point, owing to this disenchantment, [[Dōgen]] even refused [[Dharma]] [[transmission]] from a [[teacher]]. Then, in 1225, he decided to visit a [[master]] named [[Rújìng]] (如淨; J. [[Nyōjo]]), the thirteenth [[patriarch]] of the [[Cáodòng]] (J. [[Sōtō]]) [[lineage]] of [[Zen Buddhism]], at [[Mount Tiāntóng]] ([[天童山]] [[Tiāntóngshān]]; J. [[Tendōzan]]) in Níngbō. [[Rujing]] was reputed to have a style of [[Chan]] that was different from the other [[masters]] whom [[Dōgen]] had thus far encountered. In later writings, [[Dōgen]] referred to [[Rujing]] as "the Old [[Buddha]]". Additionally he affectionately described both [[Rujing]] and [[Myōzen]] as [[senshi]] (先師?, "Former [[Teacher]]"). |
[[File:Dogen100.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Dogen100.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | Under Rujing, [[Dōgen]] [[realized]] [[liberation]] of [[body]] and [[mind]] upon [[hearing]] the [[master]] say, "Cast off [[body]] and [[mind]]" (身心脱落 shēn xīn tuō luò). This phrase would continue to have great importance to [[Dōgen]] throughout his [[life]], and can be found scattered throughout his writings, as—for example—in a famous section of his "Genjōkōan" (現成公案): | + | Under [[Rujing]], [[Dōgen]] [[realized]] [[liberation]] of [[body]] and [[mind]] upon [[hearing]] the [[master]] say, "Cast off [[body]] and [[mind]]" ([[身心脱落]] [[shēn xīn tuō luò]]). This [[phrase]] would continue to have great importance to [[Dōgen]] throughout his [[life]], and can be found scattered throughout his writings, as—for example—in a famous section of his "[[Genjōkōan]]" ([[現成公案]]): |
To study the Way is to study the [[self]]. To study the [[self]] is to forget the [[self]]. To forget the [[self]] is to be [[enlightened]] by all things of the [[universe]]. To be [[enlightened]] by all things of the [[universe]] is to cast off the [[body]] and [[mind]] of the [[self]] as well as those of others. Even the traces of [[enlightenment]] are wiped out, and [[life]] with traceless [[enlightenment]] goes on forever and ever. | To study the Way is to study the [[self]]. To study the [[self]] is to forget the [[self]]. To forget the [[self]] is to be [[enlightened]] by all things of the [[universe]]. To be [[enlightened]] by all things of the [[universe]] is to cast off the [[body]] and [[mind]] of the [[self]] as well as those of others. Even the traces of [[enlightenment]] are wiped out, and [[life]] with traceless [[enlightenment]] goes on forever and ever. | ||
− | Myōzen [[died]] shortly after [[Dōgen]] arrived at Mount Tiantong. In 1227, [[Dōgen]] received [[Dharma]] [[transmission]] and inka from Rujing, and remarked on how he had finally settled his "life's quest of the great matter". | + | [[Myōzen]] [[died]] shortly after [[Dōgen]] arrived at [[Mount Tiantong]]. In 1227, [[Dōgen]] received [[Dharma]] [[transmission]] and [[inka]] from [[Rujing]], and remarked on how he had finally settled his "life's quest of the great {{Wiki|matter}}". |
Return to {{Wiki|Japan}} | Return to {{Wiki|Japan}} | ||
− | [[Dōgen]] watching the moon. Hōkyōji [[monastery]], Fukui prefecture, circa 1250. | + | [[Dōgen]] watching the [[moon]]. [[Hōkyōji]] [[monastery]], Fukui prefecture, circa 1250. |
− | [[Dōgen]] returned to {{Wiki|Japan}} in 1227 or 1228, going back to stay at [[Kennin-ji]], where he had trained previously. Among his first [[actions]] upon returning was to write down the Fukan Zazengi | + | [[Dōgen]] returned to {{Wiki|Japan}} in 1227 or 1228, going back to stay at [[Kennin-ji]], where he had trained previously. Among his first [[actions]] upon returning was to write down the [[Fukan Zazengi]] ([[普観坐禅儀]]; "[[Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen]]"), a short text {{Wiki|emphasizing}} the importance of and giving instructions for [[zazen]], or sitting [[meditation]]. |
− | However, tension soon arose as the [[Tendai]] community began taking steps to suppress both [[Zen]] and [[Jōdo Shinshū]], the new forms of [[Buddhism in Japan]]. In the face of this tension, [[Dōgen]] left the [[Tendai]] dominion of Kyōto in 1230, settling instead in an abandoned [[temple]] in what is today the city of Uji, south of Kyōto. In 1233, [[Dōgen]] founded the Kannon-dōri-in in Uji as a small center of practice. He later expanded this [[temple]] into the Kōshō-hōrinji [[Temple]] (興聖法林寺). | + | However, tension soon arose as the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|community}} began taking steps to suppress both [[Zen]] and [[Jōdo Shinshū]], the new [[forms]] of [[Buddhism in Japan]]. In the face of this tension, [[Dōgen]] left the [[Tendai]] dominion of {{Wiki|Kyōto}} in 1230, settling instead in an abandoned [[temple]] in what is today the city of Uji, [[south]] of [[Kyōto]]. In 1233, [[Dōgen]] founded the [[Kannon-dōri-in]] in Uji as a small center of [[practice]]. He later expanded this [[temple]] into the [[Kōshō-hōrinji]] [[Temple]] ([[興聖法林寺]]). |
− | Eihei-ji | + | [[Eihei-ji]] |
− | In 1243, Hatano Yoshishige (波多野義重) [[offered]] to relocate [[Dōgen's]] community to Echizen province, far to the north of Kyōto. [[Dōgen]] accepted because of the ongoing tension with the [[Tendai]] community, and the growing competition of the Rinzai-school. | + | In 1243, [[Hatano Yoshishige]] ([[波多野義重]]) [[offered]] to relocate [[Dōgen's]] {{Wiki|community}} to Echizen province, far to the [[north]] of {{Wiki|Kyōto}}. [[Dōgen]] accepted because of the ongoing tension with the [[Tendai]] {{Wiki|community}}, and the growing competition of the [[Rinzai-school]]. |
− | His followers built a comprehensive center of practice there, calling it [[Daibutsu]] [[Temple]] (Daibutsu-ji, 大仏寺). While the construction work was going on, [[Dōgen]] would [[live]] and teach at Yoshimine-dera [[Temple]] (Kippō-ji, 吉峯寺), which is located close to Daibutsu-ji. During his stay at Kippō-ji, [[Dōgen]] "fell into a {{Wiki|depression}}". It marked a turning point in his [[life]], giving way to "rigorous critique of [[Rinzai]] [[Zen]]". He critizised Dahui Zonggao, the most influential figure of {{Wiki|Song Dynasty}} [[Chán]]. | + | His followers built a comprehensive center of [[practice]] there, calling it [[Daibutsu]] [[Temple]] ([[Daibutsu-ji]], 大仏寺). While the construction work was going on, [[Dōgen]] would [[live]] and teach at Yoshimine-dera [[Temple]] (Kippō-ji, 吉峯寺), which is located close to [[Daibutsu-ji]]. During his stay at Kippō-ji, [[Dōgen]] "fell into a {{Wiki|depression}}". It marked a turning point in his [[life]], giving way to "rigorous critique of [[Rinzai]] [[Zen]]". He critizised [[Dahui Zonggao]], the most influential figure of {{Wiki|Song Dynasty}} [[Chán]]. |
− | In 1246, [[Dōgen]] renamed Daibutsu-ji, calling it Eihei-ji. This [[temple]] remains one of the two head [[temples]] of [[Sōtō Zen]] in {{Wiki|Japan}} today, the other [[being]] Sōji-ji. | + | In 1246, [[Dōgen]] renamed [[Daibutsu-ji]], calling it [[Eihei-ji]]. This [[temple]] remains one of the two head [[temples]] of [[Sōtō Zen]] in {{Wiki|Japan}} today, the other [[being]] [[Sōji-ji]]. |
[[File:Dogen400.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Dogen400.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | [[Dōgen]] spent the remainder of his [[life]] [[teaching]] and [[writing]] at Eihei-ji. In 1247, the newly installed shōgun's regent, Hōjō Tokiyori, invited [[Dōgen]] to come to Kamakura to teach him. [[Dōgen]] made the rather long journey east to provide the shōgun with lay [[ordination]], and then returned to Eihei-ji in 1248. In the autumn of 1252, [[Dōgen]] fell ill, and soon showed no signs of recovering. He presented his [[robes]] to his main apprentice, Koun Ejō (孤雲懐弉), making him the [[abbot]] of Eihei-ji. | + | [[Dōgen]] spent the remainder of his [[life]] [[teaching]] and [[writing]] at [[Eihei-ji]]. In 1247, the newly installed shōgun's {{Wiki|regent}}, [[Hōjō]] [[Tokiyori]], invited [[Dōgen]] to come to [[Wikipedia:Kamakura, Kanagawa|Kamakura]] to teach him. [[Dōgen]] made the rather long journey [[east]] to provide the shōgun with lay [[ordination]], and then returned to [[Eihei-ji]] in 1248. In the autumn of 1252, [[Dōgen]] fell ill, and soon showed no [[signs]] of recovering. He presented his [[robes]] to his main apprentice, [[Koun Ejō]] (孤雲懐弉), making him the [[abbot]] of [[Eihei-ji]]. |
[[Death]] | [[Death]] | ||
− | At Hatano Yoshishige's invitation, [[Dōgen]] left for Kyōto in search of a remedy for his illness. In 1253, soon after arriving in Kyōto, [[Dōgen]] [[died]]. Shortly before his [[death]], he had written a [[death]] poem: | + | At Hatano [[Yoshishige's]] invitation, [[Dōgen]] left for [[Kyōto]] in search of a remedy for his {{Wiki|illness}}. In 1253, soon after arriving in [[Kyōto]], [[Dōgen]] [[died]]. Shortly before his [[death]], he had written a [[death]] poem: |
− | Fifty-four years lighting up the sky. | + | Fifty-four years [[lighting up]] the sky. |
A quivering leap smashes a billion [[worlds]]. | A quivering leap smashes a billion [[worlds]]. | ||
Hah! | Hah! | ||
Line 61: | Line 62: | ||
Teachings | Teachings | ||
− | [[Dogen]] taught a variety of [[Zen]], based on a number of key concepts, which are emphasized repeatedly in his writings. | + | [[Dogen]] [[taught]] a variety of [[Zen]], based on a number of key [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]], which are emphasized repeatedly in his writings. |
[[Zazen]] | [[Zazen]] | ||
− | These concepts are closely interrelated to one another. They are all directly connected to [[zazen]], or sitting [[meditation]], which [[Dōgen]] considered to be identical to studying [[Zen]]. This is pointed out clearly in the first sentence of the 1243 instruction manual "Zazen-gi" (坐禪儀; "Principles of [[Zazen]]"): "Studying [[Zen]] ... is [[zazen]]". In referring to [[zazen]], [[Dōgen]] is most often referring specifically to shikantaza, roughly translatable as "[[nothing]] but precisely sitting", which is a kind of sitting [[meditation]] in which the [[meditator]] sits "in a state of brightly alert [[attention]] that is free of [[thoughts]], directed to no [[object]], and attached to no particular content". | + | These [[Wikipedia:concept|concepts]] are closely {{Wiki|interrelated}} to one another. They are all directly connected to [[zazen]], or sitting [[meditation]], which [[Dōgen]] considered to be [[identical]] to studying [[Zen]]. This is pointed out clearly in the first sentence of the 1243 instruction manual "Zazen-gi" (坐禪儀; "{{Wiki|Principles}} of [[Zazen]]"): "Studying [[Zen]] ... is [[zazen]]". In referring to [[zazen]], [[Dōgen]] is most often referring specifically to [[shikantaza]], roughly translatable as "[[nothing]] but precisely sitting", which is a kind of sitting [[meditation]] in which the [[meditator]] sits "in a [[state]] of brightly alert [[attention]] that is free of [[thoughts]], directed to no [[object]], and [[attached]] to no particular content". |
[[Oneness]] of practice-enlightenment | [[Oneness]] of practice-enlightenment | ||
[[File:Temple2-main2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Temple2-main2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | The [[primary]] {{Wiki|concept}} underlying [[Dōgen's]] [[Zen]] practice is "[[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment" (修證一如 shushō-ittō / shushō-ichinyo). | + | The [[primary]] {{Wiki|concept}} underlying [[Dōgen's]] [[Zen]] [[practice]] is "[[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment" (修證一如 shushō-ittō / shushō-ichinyo). |
− | For [[Dōgen]], the practice of [[zazen]] and the [[experience]] of [[enlightenment]] were one and the same. This point was succinctly stressed by [[Dōgen]] in the Fukan Zazengi, the first text that he composed upon his return to {{Wiki|Japan}} from [[China]]: | + | For [[Dōgen]], the [[practice]] of [[zazen]] and the [[experience]] of [[enlightenment]] were one and the same. This point was succinctly stressed by [[Dōgen]] in the [[Fukan Zazengi]], the first text that he composed upon his return to {{Wiki|Japan}} from [[China]]: |
− | To practice the Way singleheartedly is, in itself, [[enlightenment]]. There is no gap between practice and [[enlightenment]] or [[zazen]] and daily [[life]]. | + | To [[practice]] the Way singleheartedly is, in itself, [[enlightenment]]. There is no gap between [[practice]] and [[enlightenment]] or [[zazen]] and daily [[life]]. |
− | Earlier in the same text, the basis of this identity is explained in more detail: | + | Earlier in the same text, the basis of this [[Wikipedia:Identity (social science)|identity]] is explained in more detail: |
− | [[Zazen]] is not "step-by-step [[meditation]]". Rather it is simply the easy and [[pleasant]] practice of a [[Buddha]], the [[realization]] of the [[Buddha's]] [[Wisdom]]. The [[Truth]] appears, there [[being]] no [[delusion]]. If you understand this, you are completely free, like a [[dragon]] that has obtained [[water]] or a tiger that reclines on a mountain. The supreme Law will then appear of itself, and you will be free of weariness and confusion. | + | [[Zazen]] is not "step-by-step [[meditation]]". Rather it is simply the easy and [[pleasant]] [[practice]] of a [[Buddha]], the [[realization]] of the [[Buddha's]] [[Wisdom]]. The [[Truth]] appears, there [[being]] no [[delusion]]. If you understand this, you are completely free, like a [[dragon]] that has obtained [[water]] or a [[tiger]] that reclines on a mountain. The supreme Law will then appear of itself, and you will be free of weariness and {{Wiki|confusion}}. |
− | The "[[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment" was also a point stressed in the Bendōwa (弁道話 "A Talk on the Endeavor of the [[Path]]") of 1231: | + | The "[[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment" was also a point stressed in the [[Bendōwa]] (弁道話 "A Talk on the Endeavor of the [[Path]]") of 1231: |
− | [[Thinking]] that practice and [[enlightenment]] are not one is no more than a [[view]] that is outside the Way. In [[buddha-dharma]] , practice and [[enlightenment]] are one and the same. Because it is the practice of [[enlightenment]], a beginner's wholehearted practice of the Way is exactly the totality of original [[enlightenment]]. For this [[reason]], in conveying the [[essential]] [[attitude]] for practice, it is taught not to wait for [[enlightenment]] outside practice. | + | [[Thinking]] that [[practice]] and [[enlightenment]] are not one is no more than a [[view]] that is outside the Way. In [[buddha-dharma]] , [[practice]] and [[enlightenment]] are one and the same. Because it is the [[practice]] of [[enlightenment]], a beginner's wholehearted [[practice]] of the Way is exactly the {{Wiki|totality}} of original [[enlightenment]]. For this [[reason]], in conveying the [[essential]] [[attitude]] for [[practice]], it is [[taught]] not to wait for [[enlightenment]] outside [[practice]]. |
Writings | Writings | ||
− | While it was customary for [[Buddhist]] works to be written in {{Wiki|Chinese}}, [[Dōgen]] often wrote in {{Wiki|Japanese}}, conveying the [[essence]] of his [[thought]] in a style that was at once concise, compelling, and inspiring. A [[master]] stylist, [[Dōgen]] is noted not only for his prose, but also for his [[poetry]] (in {{Wiki|Japanese}} waka style and various {{Wiki|Chinese}} styles). [[Dōgen's]] use of [[language]] is unconventional by any measure. According to [[Dōgen]] [[scholar]] Steven Heine: "Dogen's poetic and [[philosophical]] works are characterized by a continual [[effort]] to express the inexpressible by perfecting imperfectable [[speech]] through the creative use of wordplay, neologism, and lyricism, as well as the recasting of [[traditional]] expressions". | + | While it was customary for [[Buddhist]] works to be written in {{Wiki|Chinese}}, [[Dōgen]] often wrote in {{Wiki|Japanese}}, conveying the [[essence]] of his [[thought]] in a style that was at once concise, compelling, and inspiring. A [[master]] stylist, [[Dōgen]] is noted not only for his prose, but also for his [[poetry]] (in {{Wiki|Japanese}} waka style and various {{Wiki|Chinese}} styles). [[Dōgen's]] use of [[language]] is unconventional by any [[measure]]. According to [[Dōgen]] [[scholar]] Steven Heine: "[[Dogen's]] {{Wiki|poetic}} and [[philosophical]] works are characterized by a continual [[effort]] to express the inexpressible by perfecting imperfectable [[speech]] through the creative use of wordplay, neologism, and lyricism, as well as the recasting of [[traditional]] {{Wiki|expressions}}". |
− | Shōbōgenzō | + | [[Shōbōgenzō]] |
[[File:Timth.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Timth.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | [[Dōgen's]] masterpiece is the Shōbōgenzō, talks and writings—collected together in ninety-five fascicles. The topics range from [[monastic]] practice, to the equality of women and men, to the [[philosophy]] of [[language]], [[being]], and [[time]]. In the work, as in his own [[life]], [[Dōgen]] emphasized the [[absolute]] primacy of shikantaza and the inseparability of practice and [[enlightenment]]. | + | [[Dōgen's]] masterpiece is the [[Shōbōgenzō]], talks and writings—collected together in ninety-five fascicles. The topics range from [[monastic]] [[practice]], to the equality of women and men, to the [[philosophy]] of [[language]], [[being]], and [[time]]. In the work, as in his [[own]] [[life]], [[Dōgen]] emphasized the [[absolute]] primacy of [[shikantaza]] and the {{Wiki|inseparability}} of [[practice]] and [[enlightenment]]. |
− | Shinji Shōbōgenzō | + | [[Shinji Shōbōgenzō]] |
− | [[Dōgen]] also compiled a collection of 301 [[koans]] in {{Wiki|Chinese}} without commentaries added. Often called the Shinji Shōbōgenzō (shinji:”original or true characters” and shōbōgenzō, variously translated as “the right-dharma-eye treasury” or “Treasury of the [[Eye]] of the True [[Dharma]]” ). The collection is also known as the Shōbōgenzō Sanbyakusoku (The Three Hundred Verse | + | [[Dōgen]] also compiled a collection of 301 [[koans]] in {{Wiki|Chinese}} without commentaries added. Often called the [[Shinji Shōbōgenzō]] ([[shinji]]:”original or true characters” and [[shōbōgenzō]], variously translated as “the right-dharma-eye treasury” or “Treasury of the [[Eye]] of the True [[Dharma]]” ). The collection is also known as the [[Shōbōgenzō]] Sanbyakusoku (The Three Hundred Verse [[Shōbōgenzō]]”) and the [[Mana]] [[Shōbōgenzō]], where [[mana]] is an alternative reading of [[shinji]]. The exact date the [[book]] was written is in dispute but [[Nishijima]] believes that [[Dogen]] may well have begun compiling the [[koan]] collection before his trip to [[China]]. Although these stories are commonly referred to as [[kōans]], [[Dōgen]] referred to them as kosoku (ancestral criteria) or [[innen]] (circumstances and [[causes]] or results, of a story). The [[word]] [[kōan]] for [[Dogen]] meant “[[absolute reality]]” or the “[[universal]] [[Dharma]]”. |
− | Eihei Kōroku, Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki | + | Eihei Kōroku, [[Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki]] |
− | Lectures that [[Dōgen]] gave to his [[monks]] at his [[monastery]], Eihei-ji, were compiled under the title Eihei Kōroku, also known as [[Dōgen | + | Lectures that [[Dōgen]] gave to his [[monks]] at his [[monastery]], [[Eihei-ji]], were compiled under the title Eihei Kōroku, also known as [[Dōgen Oshō Kōroku]] (The Extensive Record of [[Teacher]] [[Dōgen’s]] Sayings) in ten volumes. The [[sermons]], lectures, sayings and [[poetry]] were compiled shortly after [[Dōgen’s]] [[death]] by his main [[disciples]], [[Koun Ejō]] ([[孤雲懐奘]], 1198–1280), [[Senne]] and [[Gien]]. There are three different editions of this text: the [[Rinnō-ji]] text from 1598; a popular version printed in 1672 and a version discovered at [[Eihei-ji]] in 1937 which, although undated, is believed to be the oldest extant version. Another collection of his talks is the [[Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki]] (Gleanings from [[Master]] [[Dōgen’s]] Sayings) in six volumes. These are talks that [[Dōgen]] gave to his leading [[disciple]], [[Ejō]], who became [[Dōgen’s]] [[disciple]] in 1234. The talks were recorded and edited by [[Ejō]]. |
Hōkojōki | Hōkojōki | ||
− | The earliest work by [[Dōgen]] is the Hōkojōki (Memoirs of the Hōkyō Period). This one volume work is a collection of questions and answers between [[Dōgen]] and his {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[teacher]], Tiāntóng Rújìng (天童如淨; {{Wiki|Japanese}}: Tendō Nyojō, 1162–1228). The work was discovered among Dōgen’s papers by Ejō in 1253, just three months after Dōgen’s [[death]]. | + | The earliest work by [[Dōgen]] is the Hōkojōki (Memoirs of the Hōkyō Period). This one volume work is a collection of questions and answers between [[Dōgen]] and his {{Wiki|Chinese}} [[teacher]], [[Tiāntóng Rújìng]] ([[天童如淨]]; {{Wiki|Japanese}}: [[Tendō Nyojō]], 1162–1228). The work was discovered among [[Dōgen’s]] papers by [[Ejō]] in 1253, just three months after [[Dōgen’s]] [[death]]. |
Other writings | Other writings | ||
[[File:To-see-nothing.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:To-see-nothing.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
Other notable writings of [[Dōgen]] are: | Other notable writings of [[Dōgen]] are: | ||
− | Fukan-zazengi (General Advice on the Principles of [[Zazen]]), one volume; probably written immediately after Dōgen’s return from [[China]] in 1227 | + | Fukan-zazengi (General Advice on the {{Wiki|Principles}} of [[Zazen]]), one volume; probably written immediately after [[Dōgen’s]] return from [[China]] in 1227 |
Eihei shoso gakudō-yōinshū (Advice on Studying the Way), one volume; probably written in 1234 | Eihei shoso gakudō-yōinshū (Advice on Studying the Way), one volume; probably written in 1234 | ||
[[Tenzo]] kyōkun (Instructions to the Chief Cook), one volume; written in 1237 | [[Tenzo]] kyōkun (Instructions to the Chief Cook), one volume; written in 1237 | ||
Benōhō (Rules for the Practice of the Way), one volume; written between 1244 and 1246. | Benōhō (Rules for the Practice of the Way), one volume; written between 1244 and 1246. | ||
− | Shushō-gi | + | [[Shushō-gi]] |
− | The {{Wiki|concept}} of [[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment is considered so fundamental to [[Dōgen's]] variety of [[Zen]] — and, consequently, to the [[Sōtō]] school as a whole — that it formed the basis for the work Shushō-gi (修證儀), which was compiled in 1890 by Takiya Takushū (滝谷卓洲) of Eihei-ji and Azegami Baisen (畔上楳仙) of Sōji-ji as an introductory and prescriptive abstract of [[Dōgen's]] massive work, the Shōbōgenzō ("Treasury of the [[Eye]] of the True [[Dharma]]"). | + | The {{Wiki|concept}} of [[oneness]] of practice-enlightenment is considered so fundamental to [[Dōgen's]] variety of [[Zen]] — and, consequently, to the [[Sōtō]] school as a whole — that it formed the basis for the work [[Shushō-gi]] ([[修證儀]]), which was compiled in 1890 by [[Takiya Takushū]] ([[滝谷卓洲]]) of [[Eihei-ji]] and [[Azegami Baisen]] ([[畔上楳仙]]) of [[Sōji-ji]] as an introductory and prescriptive abstract of [[Dōgen's]] massive work, the [[Shōbōgenzō]] ("Treasury of the [[Eye]] of the True [[Dharma]]"). |
[[Lineage]] | [[Lineage]] | ||
− | Though [[Dogen]] emphasised the importance of the correct [[transmission]] of [[ | + | Though [[Dogen]] emphasised the importance of the correct [[transmission]] of the [[Buddha]] [[dharma]], as guaranteed by the line of [[transmission]] from [[Shakyamuni]], his [[own]] [[transmission]] became problematic in the third generation. In 1267 [[Ejō]] retired as [[Abbot]] of [[Eihei-ji]], giving way to [[Gikai]], who was already favored by [[Dōgen]]. [[Gikai]], introduced [[esoteric]] [[elements]] into the [[practice]]. [[Opposition]] arose, and in 1272 [[Ejō]] resumed the position of [[abbot]]. Following Ejō's [[death]] in 1280, [[Gikai]] became [[abbot]] again, strengthened by the support of the {{Wiki|military}} for [[magical]] practices. [[Opposition]] arose again, and [[Gikai]] was forced to leave [[Eihei-ji]]. He was succeeded by [[Gien]], who was first trained in the [[Daruma-school]] of [[Nōnin]]. His supporters designated him as the third [[abbot]], rejecting the legitimacy of [[Gien]]. |
− | Koun Ejō, commentator on the Shōbōgenzō, and former Darumashū elder | + | [[Koun Ejō]], commentator on the [[Shōbōgenzō]], and former Darumashū elder |
− | Giin, through Ejō | + | [[Giin]], through [[Ejō]] |
− | Gikai, through Ejō | + | [[Gikai]], through [[Ejō]] |
− | Keizan | + | [[Keizan]] |
− | [[Gien]], through Ejō | + | [[Gien]], through [[Ejō]] |
− | Senne, another commentator of the Shōbōgenzō. | + | [[Senne]], another commentator of the [[Shōbōgenzō]]. |
− | Jakuen, a student of Rujing, who traced his [[lineage]] "directly back the [[Zen]] of the Song period" , established Hōkyō-ji, where a strict style of [[Zen]] was practised. Students of him played a role in the conflict between Giin and Gikai. | + | [[Jakuen]], a [[student]] of [[Rujing]], who traced his [[lineage]] "directly back the [[Zen]] of the [[Wikipedia:Song Dynasty |Song period]]" , established [[Hōkyō-ji]], where a strict style of [[Zen]] was practised. Students of him played a role in the conflict between [[Giin]] and [[Gikai]]. |
− | Dogen's notable successor was Keizan (瑩山; 1268–1325), founder of Sōji-ji [[Temple]] and author of the Record of the [[Transmission]] of [[Light]] (傳光錄 Denkōroku), which traces the succession of [[Zen]] [[masters]] from [[Siddhārtha]] [[Gautama]] up to Keizan's own day. Together, [[Dōgen]] and Keizan are regarded as the founders of the [[Sōtō]] school in {{Wiki|Japan}}. | + | [[Dogen's]] notable successor was [[Keizan]] (瑩山; 1268–1325), founder of [[Sōji-ji]] [[Temple]] and author of the Record of the [[Transmission]] of [[Light]] ([[傳光錄]] [[Denkōroku]]), which traces the succession of [[Zen]] [[masters]] from [[Siddhārtha]] [[Gautama]] up to [[Keizan's]] [[own]] day. Together, [[Dōgen]] and [[Keizan]] are regarded as the founders of the [[Sōtō]] school in {{Wiki|Japan}}. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} |
Latest revision as of 15:20, 2 March 2015
Dogen
道元 (1200–1253)
The founder of the Japanese Sotoschool of Zen. His father was Kuga Michichika, a minister of the imperial court in Kyoto. Having lost both parents at an early age, Dogen entered the priesthood in 1213 at Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai school on Mount Hiei. Doubtful of the Tendai view of inherent enlightenment, however, and of the undisciplined atmosphere at Hiei, in 1217 he went to Kennin-ji temple in Kyoto where he studied the Zen teachings under Myozen, a disciple of Eisai. In 1223 Dogen went to China with Myozen to further his studies. After journeying from one temple to another in search of a worthy teacher, he studied Zen (Ch'an) under Ju-ching at Mount T'ient'ung and is said to have attained enlightenment. In 1227 he returned to Japan and stayed at Kennin-ji.Dogen strongly asserted that the Zen teaching of sole reliance on seated meditation (zazen ) was absolute and constituted the essence of the Buddha's teachings. This incurred the hostility of the Tendai priests on Mount Hiei and at Kennin-ji, and around 1230 he was banished from Kenninji. He moved to Fukakusa in Kyoto and there around 1233 built Koshoji temple, where he lived for more than ten years, devoting himself to teaching and writing. As his disciples increased in number, oppression by the Tendai priests arose again, and in 1243 he went to Echizen Province to the fief of Hatano Yoshishige, a shogunate official, at Yoshishige's invitation and at the urging of followers there. In Hatano's domain, he founded Daibutsu-ji temple, which was renamed Eihei-ji in 1246 and became a major center of Soto Zen. There he devoted himself to training disciples and completing his chief work The Treasury of Knowledge of the True Law.In 1247 Dogen went to Kamakura at the request of Hojo Tokiyori, the regent of the Kamakura shogunate, and instructed him in the Zen teachings. In 1250 the Retired Emperor Gosaga sent a messenger to Dogen at Eihei-ji to bestow on him a purple robe. In 1253 Dogen returned to Kyoto, where he died of illness. He wrote The General Teaching for the Promotion of Seated Meditation and other works.
Dōgen Zenji (道元禅師; also Dōgen Kigen 道元希玄, or Eihei Dōgen 永平道元, or Koso Joyo Daishi) (19 January 1200 – 22 September 1253) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher born in Kyōto. He founded the Sōtō school of Zen in Japan after travelling to China and training under Rujing, a master of the Chinese Caodong lineage.
Dōgen is known for his extensive writing including the Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma or Shōbōgenzō, a collection of ninety-five fascicles concerning Buddhist practice and enlightenment.
Biography
Early life
Dōgen probably was born into a noble family, though as an illegitimate child of Minamoto Michitomo, who served in the imperial court as a high-ranking ashō (亞相?, "Councillor of State"). His mother is said to have died when Dōgen was age 7.
Early training
At some later point, Dōgen became a low-ranking monk on Mount Hiei, the headquarters of the Tendai school of Buddhism. Later in life, while describing his time on Mt. Hiei, he writes that he became possessed by a single question with regard to the Tendai doctrine:
As I study both the exoteric and the esoteric schools of Buddhism, they maintain that human beings are endowed with Dharma-nature by birth. If this is the case, why did the Buddhas of all ages — undoubtedly in possession of enlightenment — find it necessary to seek enlightenment and engage in spiritual practice?
This question was, in large part, prompted by the Tendai concept of original enlightenment (本覚 hongaku), which states that all human beings are enlightened by nature and that, consequently, any notion of achieving enlightenment through practice is fundamentally flawed.
As he found no answer to his question at Mount Hiei, and as he was disillusioned by the internal politics and need for social prominence for advancement, Dōgen left to seek an answer from other Buddhist masters. Dōgen went to visit Kōin, the Tendai abbot of Onjō-ji Temple (園城寺), asking him this same question. Kōin said that, in order to find an answer, he might want to consider studying Chán in China. In 1217, two years after the death of contemporary Zen Buddhist Myōan Eisai, Dōgen went to study at Kennin-ji Temple (建仁寺), under Eisai's successor, Myōzen (明全).
Travel to China
In 1223, Dōgen and Myōzen undertook the dangerous passage across the East China Sea to China to study in Jing-de-si (Ching-te-ssu, 景德寺) monastery as Eisai had once done.
In China, Dōgen first went to the leading Chan monasteries in Zhèjiāng province. At the time, most Chan teachers based their training around the use of gōng-àns (Japanese: kōan). Though Dōgen assiduously studied the kōans, he became disenchanted with the heavy emphasis laid upon them, and wondered why the sutras were not studied more. At one point, owing to this disenchantment, Dōgen even refused Dharma transmission from a teacher. Then, in 1225, he decided to visit a master named Rújìng (如淨; J. Nyōjo), the thirteenth patriarch of the Cáodòng (J. Sōtō) lineage of Zen Buddhism, at Mount Tiāntóng (天童山 Tiāntóngshān; J. Tendōzan) in Níngbō. Rujing was reputed to have a style of Chan that was different from the other masters whom Dōgen had thus far encountered. In later writings, Dōgen referred to Rujing as "the Old Buddha". Additionally he affectionately described both Rujing and Myōzen as senshi (先師?, "Former Teacher").
Under Rujing, Dōgen realized liberation of body and mind upon hearing the master say, "Cast off body and mind" (身心脱落 shēn xīn tuō luò). This phrase would continue to have great importance to Dōgen throughout his life, and can be found scattered throughout his writings, as—for example—in a famous section of his "Genjōkōan" (現成公案):
To study the Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things of the universe. To be enlightened by all things of the universe is to cast off the body and mind of the self as well as those of others. Even the traces of enlightenment are wiped out, and life with traceless enlightenment goes on forever and ever.
Myōzen died shortly after Dōgen arrived at Mount Tiantong. In 1227, Dōgen received Dharma transmission and inka from Rujing, and remarked on how he had finally settled his "life's quest of the great matter".
Return to Japan
Dōgen watching the moon. Hōkyōji monastery, Fukui prefecture, circa 1250.
Dōgen returned to Japan in 1227 or 1228, going back to stay at Kennin-ji, where he had trained previously. Among his first actions upon returning was to write down the Fukan Zazengi (普観坐禅儀; "Universally Recommended Instructions for Zazen"), a short text emphasizing the importance of and giving instructions for zazen, or sitting meditation.
However, tension soon arose as the Tendai community began taking steps to suppress both Zen and Jōdo Shinshū, the new forms of Buddhism in Japan. In the face of this tension, Dōgen left the Tendai dominion of Kyōto in 1230, settling instead in an abandoned temple in what is today the city of Uji, south of Kyōto. In 1233, Dōgen founded the Kannon-dōri-in in Uji as a small center of practice. He later expanded this temple into the Kōshō-hōrinji Temple (興聖法林寺).
Eihei-ji
In 1243, Hatano Yoshishige (波多野義重) offered to relocate Dōgen's community to Echizen province, far to the north of Kyōto. Dōgen accepted because of the ongoing tension with the Tendai community, and the growing competition of the Rinzai-school.
His followers built a comprehensive center of practice there, calling it Daibutsu Temple (Daibutsu-ji, 大仏寺). While the construction work was going on, Dōgen would live and teach at Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kippō-ji, 吉峯寺), which is located close to Daibutsu-ji. During his stay at Kippō-ji, Dōgen "fell into a depression". It marked a turning point in his life, giving way to "rigorous critique of Rinzai Zen". He critizised Dahui Zonggao, the most influential figure of Song Dynasty Chán.
In 1246, Dōgen renamed Daibutsu-ji, calling it Eihei-ji. This temple remains one of the two head temples of Sōtō Zen in Japan today, the other being Sōji-ji.
Dōgen spent the remainder of his life teaching and writing at Eihei-ji. In 1247, the newly installed shōgun's regent, Hōjō Tokiyori, invited Dōgen to come to Kamakura to teach him. Dōgen made the rather long journey east to provide the shōgun with lay ordination, and then returned to Eihei-ji in 1248. In the autumn of 1252, Dōgen fell ill, and soon showed no signs of recovering. He presented his robes to his main apprentice, Koun Ejō (孤雲懐弉), making him the abbot of Eihei-ji.
Death
At Hatano Yoshishige's invitation, Dōgen left for Kyōto in search of a remedy for his illness. In 1253, soon after arriving in Kyōto, Dōgen died. Shortly before his death, he had written a death poem:
Fifty-four years lighting up the sky.
A quivering leap smashes a billion worlds.
Hah!
Entire body looks for nothing.
Living, I plunge into Yellow Springs.
Teachings
Dogen taught a variety of Zen, based on a number of key concepts, which are emphasized repeatedly in his writings.
Zazen
These concepts are closely interrelated to one another. They are all directly connected to zazen, or sitting meditation, which Dōgen considered to be identical to studying Zen. This is pointed out clearly in the first sentence of the 1243 instruction manual "Zazen-gi" (坐禪儀; "Principles of Zazen"): "Studying Zen ... is zazen". In referring to zazen, Dōgen is most often referring specifically to shikantaza, roughly translatable as "nothing but precisely sitting", which is a kind of sitting meditation in which the meditator sits "in a state of brightly alert attention that is free of thoughts, directed to no object, and attached to no particular content".
Oneness of practice-enlightenment
The primary concept underlying Dōgen's Zen practice is "oneness of practice-enlightenment" (修證一如 shushō-ittō / shushō-ichinyo).
For Dōgen, the practice of zazen and the experience of enlightenment were one and the same. This point was succinctly stressed by Dōgen in the Fukan Zazengi, the first text that he composed upon his return to Japan from China:
To practice the Way singleheartedly is, in itself, enlightenment. There is no gap between practice and enlightenment or zazen and daily life.
Earlier in the same text, the basis of this identity is explained in more detail:
Zazen is not "step-by-step meditation". Rather it is simply the easy and pleasant practice of a Buddha, the realization of the Buddha's Wisdom. The Truth appears, there being no delusion. If you understand this, you are completely free, like a dragon that has obtained water or a tiger that reclines on a mountain. The supreme Law will then appear of itself, and you will be free of weariness and confusion.
The "oneness of practice-enlightenment" was also a point stressed in the Bendōwa (弁道話 "A Talk on the Endeavor of the Path") of 1231:
Thinking that practice and enlightenment are not one is no more than a view that is outside the Way. In buddha-dharma , practice and enlightenment are one and the same. Because it is the practice of enlightenment, a beginner's wholehearted practice of the Way is exactly the totality of original enlightenment. For this reason, in conveying the essential attitude for practice, it is taught not to wait for enlightenment outside practice.
Writings
While it was customary for Buddhist works to be written in Chinese, Dōgen often wrote in Japanese, conveying the essence of his thought in a style that was at once concise, compelling, and inspiring. A master stylist, Dōgen is noted not only for his prose, but also for his poetry (in Japanese waka style and various Chinese styles). Dōgen's use of language is unconventional by any measure. According to Dōgen scholar Steven Heine: "Dogen's poetic and philosophical works are characterized by a continual effort to express the inexpressible by perfecting imperfectable speech through the creative use of wordplay, neologism, and lyricism, as well as the recasting of traditional expressions".
Shōbōgenzō
Dōgen's masterpiece is the Shōbōgenzō, talks and writings—collected together in ninety-five fascicles. The topics range from monastic practice, to the equality of women and men, to the philosophy of language, being, and time. In the work, as in his own life, Dōgen emphasized the absolute primacy of shikantaza and the inseparability of practice and enlightenment.
Shinji Shōbōgenzō
Dōgen also compiled a collection of 301 koans in Chinese without commentaries added. Often called the Shinji Shōbōgenzō (shinji:”original or true characters” and shōbōgenzō, variously translated as “the right-dharma-eye treasury” or “Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma” ). The collection is also known as the Shōbōgenzō Sanbyakusoku (The Three Hundred Verse Shōbōgenzō”) and the Mana Shōbōgenzō, where mana is an alternative reading of shinji. The exact date the book was written is in dispute but Nishijima believes that Dogen may well have begun compiling the koan collection before his trip to China. Although these stories are commonly referred to as kōans, Dōgen referred to them as kosoku (ancestral criteria) or innen (circumstances and causes or results, of a story). The word kōan for Dogen meant “absolute reality” or the “universal Dharma”.
Eihei Kōroku, Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki
Lectures that Dōgen gave to his monks at his monastery, Eihei-ji, were compiled under the title Eihei Kōroku, also known as Dōgen Oshō Kōroku (The Extensive Record of Teacher Dōgen’s Sayings) in ten volumes. The sermons, lectures, sayings and poetry were compiled shortly after Dōgen’s death by his main disciples, Koun Ejō (孤雲懐奘, 1198–1280), Senne and Gien. There are three different editions of this text: the Rinnō-ji text from 1598; a popular version printed in 1672 and a version discovered at Eihei-ji in 1937 which, although undated, is believed to be the oldest extant version. Another collection of his talks is the Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki (Gleanings from Master Dōgen’s Sayings) in six volumes. These are talks that Dōgen gave to his leading disciple, Ejō, who became Dōgen’s disciple in 1234. The talks were recorded and edited by Ejō.
Hōkojōki
The earliest work by Dōgen is the Hōkojōki (Memoirs of the Hōkyō Period). This one volume work is a collection of questions and answers between Dōgen and his Chinese teacher, Tiāntóng Rújìng (天童如淨; Japanese: Tendō Nyojō, 1162–1228). The work was discovered among Dōgen’s papers by Ejō in 1253, just three months after Dōgen’s death.
Other writings
Other notable writings of Dōgen are:
Fukan-zazengi (General Advice on the Principles of Zazen), one volume; probably written immediately after Dōgen’s return from China in 1227
Eihei shoso gakudō-yōinshū (Advice on Studying the Way), one volume; probably written in 1234
Tenzo kyōkun (Instructions to the Chief Cook), one volume; written in 1237
Benōhō (Rules for the Practice of the Way), one volume; written between 1244 and 1246.
Shushō-gi
The concept of oneness of practice-enlightenment is considered so fundamental to Dōgen's variety of Zen — and, consequently, to the Sōtō school as a whole — that it formed the basis for the work Shushō-gi (修證儀), which was compiled in 1890 by Takiya Takushū (滝谷卓洲) of Eihei-ji and Azegami Baisen (畔上楳仙) of Sōji-ji as an introductory and prescriptive abstract of Dōgen's massive work, the Shōbōgenzō ("Treasury of the Eye of the True Dharma").
Lineage
Though Dogen emphasised the importance of the correct transmission of the Buddha dharma, as guaranteed by the line of transmission from Shakyamuni, his own transmission became problematic in the third generation. In 1267 Ejō retired as Abbot of Eihei-ji, giving way to Gikai, who was already favored by Dōgen. Gikai, introduced esoteric elements into the practice. Opposition arose, and in 1272 Ejō resumed the position of abbot. Following Ejō's death in 1280, Gikai became abbot again, strengthened by the support of the military for magical practices. Opposition arose again, and Gikai was forced to leave Eihei-ji. He was succeeded by Gien, who was first trained in the Daruma-school of Nōnin. His supporters designated him as the third abbot, rejecting the legitimacy of Gien.
Koun Ejō, commentator on the Shōbōgenzō, and former Darumashū elder
Giin, through Ejō
Gikai, through Ejō
Keizan
Gien, through Ejō
Senne, another commentator of the Shōbōgenzō.
Jakuen, a student of Rujing, who traced his lineage "directly back the Zen of the Song period" , established Hōkyō-ji, where a strict style of Zen was practised. Students of him played a role in the conflict between Giin and Gikai.
Dogen's notable successor was Keizan (瑩山; 1268–1325), founder of Sōji-ji Temple and author of the Record of the Transmission of Light (傳光錄 Denkōroku), which traces the succession of Zen masters from Siddhārtha Gautama up to Keizan's own day. Together, Dōgen and Keizan are regarded as the founders of the Sōtō school in Japan.